Names That Mean Wise, Intelligent, and Smart

Name long associated with eloquent Black Panther activist Eldridge Cleaver and jazz great Roy Eldridge.

As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.

This mini name is more spunky than Zack or Zeke, but shares those well-loved sounds. In Ethiopia, Zeki means "pure", and is pronounced "zeh-KEE", with emphasis on the second syllable. With the rise of trending Zakai and similar names into the US charts, Zeki has potential.

Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.

Distinctive Native-American choice with forceful meaning.

This name has it all - looks, brains, charms and an international sound that can go anywhere.

A subtle and attractive name for the child of a poet or poetry-enthusiast.

A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'

One of the names of the sun god Apollo, this is better known in its feminine form, Phoebe.

Zariza is a unique name sure to appeal to Z lovers.

How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?

This name of a famous ancient Roman jurist is sometimes heard in the Hispanic community.

Ugo is very common in Italy, but here it might call to mind that little Yugoslavian car.

Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.

A rare Icelandic name with a lovely ethereal sound.

Akila, which can also be spelled Akilah, is a sleek, modern-feeling name with a strong meaning. Some sources say the name Akila may also be Egyptian or Swahili.

If meaning were destiny, this would start a boy off on the right foot.

Assia is a Muslim name, best known in the Western world via tragic poet Assia Wevill, who was married to British poet Ted Hughes after Sylvia Plath and also committed suicide.

Truly offbeat, but just on the brink of outré.

Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with old-fashioned names being so popular right now (consider Atticus, Leonidas, Arthur, Jasper, Augustus etc) what's to stop Cuthbert from becoming more wearable? Bertie is a cute (and very fashionable) nickname option for this grand old name.